Industry news

 

    NHS database plans 'under fire'

    Mon 02-Jun-2008

    Plans for a national database of all UK patients have been hindered by the loss of a main contractor as industry experts urge the NHS to reconsider, it has been reported.

    Leading IT figures have reported the proposed £12.4 billion National Programme for IT should be reconsidered as it will not work and is not necessary, according to ComputerWorld UK.

    The latest development in the plans revealed that the main contractor, Fujitsu, has pulled out of the scheme, with many contractors reporting the government has been inflexible with plans.

    Martyn Hart, chairman of the National Outsourcing Association, told the publication he challenges the rationale for the system.

    He added: "The only place you can make that kind of arrangement work is where there is strict control and governance, like in the army. Not in a health organisation."

    The shadow health minister, Stephen O'Brien, told the BBC the government's plans had come "crashing down around their ears".

    A recent study by Unisys revealed that losing personal details is ranked as the British public's biggest concern.
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